Librarian and Archivist of Canada Leslie Weir yesterday announced that Jasmine Bouchard, former head of services to the public at the city of Gatineau’s library, has accepted the position of assistant deputy minister, User Experience and Engagement, at Library and Archives Canada (LAC). She began November 15.
deputy minister, User Experience
and Engagement, Library and Archives Canada.
Photo: Library and Archives Canada.
Ms. Bouchard was previously responsible for services at the Bibliothèque de Gatineau’s 11 branches where she led a “vast modernization project aimed at delivering programs, services and infrastructure to meet the needs of residents.”
As for what the new job entails, Ms. Weir said, “Ms. Bouchard has accepted the challenge of setting up a new User Experience and Engagement sector at LAC. With a master’s degree in information science and extensive experience in our areas of activity, her understanding of issues and trends, combined with her strong management skills, will help us to accelerate our transformation and to identify and meet the needs of our users.”
Researchers, no doubt, will want to know what impact this new “user experience” sector will have on service. Given the lack of specifics in the announcement, it’s hard to say how researchers will benefit.
Commenting on Ms. Bouchard’s experience, Ms. Weir said, “Improving user experience, building partnerships, developing inclusive services and providing cultural leadership have been at the heart of (Ms. Bouchard’s) achievements, both at the Ville de Gatineau and the University of Ottawa. At the University of Ottawa Library, she implemented innovative programs and services that involved the establishment of new collections in a variety of formats and the transformation of spaces.”
Let’s hope this appointment is good news for all who use LAC’s services.
